Comprising a vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert and with a meagre three people per sq. km, Botswana is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. Planes of tall grass and small shrubs as far as the telescope can see make up much of the country’s harsh interior where summer temperatures reach triple figures – in Fahrenheit that is.
Against this barren backdrop the dramatic reserves of the north present some of the most spectacular game viewing in the world: herds of elephant float past like islands, prides of lion lie in the shade and flocks of birds sweep the air.
A metropolis of lagoons and islands, the Okavango Delta plays host to an annual influx of every kind of African creature and becomes a stage for the great African wildlife parade. The Moremi Game Reserve covers almost a third of the delta and its lagoons, forests, plains and pans offer some of the best game-viewing experiences in the country.
The Chobe National Park is home to the world’s largest elephant population and the country’s best game viewing opportunities in the Savuti marshlands where resident lion and spotted hyena battle for supremacy over the teeming hordes of animals that drift in search of precious water sources.
Either with profiteering guile or fervent commitment to conservation, the Botswana government keeps prices in the game reserves high; ostensibly to reduce the impact of tourism on the fragile ecosystem - but it could just be to keep the riff raff out.
Who knows? What matters is that guests share this pristine paradise with relatively few others and the scale and rawness of the wilderness is a belittling experience.
Chobe National Park and the world’s largest elephant population
The Okavango Delta – the largest inland delta and home to a world of wildlife
Savuti’s teeming game and the feuding lions and hyenas
The Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta
Pole-driven mokoro cruises through the delta
Linyanti Forest Reserve in the flood plains of the Linyanti River
A wilderness encounter so immersive you’ll mark your territory when you leave
Our Botswana Favourite
This tour includes the hotspots and highlights of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It takes in the sights and sounds of one of Africa's natural treasures.
Welcome to Botswana
This tour brings together some of Botswana's best destinations, taking in both the Okavango Delta and the Chobe National Park.
Where in Botswana ?
Wherever you go in Botswana you’re bound to see miles and miles of untouched wilderness; in some places you see miles and miles of elephant, in others you’ll see miles and miles of lagoons and palm trees.
Witness the majesty of Africa's largest concentrations of elephants or go back in time whilst travelling in a mokoro. Opt for any number of our Botswana tours to experience the diverse magic of the Delta and Chobe without having to worry about the pesky details.
Our travel advice section gives the low down on when to visit, what to bring, what not to bring, what to do and what not to do. Get the low down »
Get here from there
Botswana presents clients with two options: fly-in or stay-home. Most of the country is a vast expanse of roadless wilderness that is best viewed from 30,000ft. Get all the travel info here. Get the info »
